CAPRELA (cancer prevention for Latinas): Cultural and socio-economic aspects of health behaviors among uninsured Hispanic women in Forsyth County, North Carolina

Despite recent progress in the fight against cancer, ethnic minorities and the medically underserved bear a disproportionate share of the cancer burden. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this population. Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed and the death rate from this cancer is 40% higher among Hispanic women than among other ethnic groups. It may be expected that cancer incidence rates among the Hispanic population will increase due to changing exposures associated with increased acculturation. Hispanic/Latino women have some of the lowest rates of health screening and health care utilization in America. This is due to poor health literacy, cultural perceptions, such as misconceptions and myths about cancer, a fatalistic attitude and fears. A number of external barriers also contribute to this phenomenon, including lack of recommendations by physicians, lack of insurance, and a regular source of care, as well as interactive barriers, such as poor communication patterns with healthcare providers. Latinas are less likely to be aware of the warning symptoms and signs of cancer listed by the American Cancer Society; thus cancer is often detected at a later stage, when chances of survival are reduced. Addressing these barriers in a culturally competent manner, while engaging in partnerships with physicians, social networks and social systems, could dramatically improve Latinas' screening rates as well as their knowledge about and attitudes towards the disease.